He may not have felt in "record-breaking form", but Wanganui's Neil Mayo was still the king of the hill at the Southern Trust New Zealand Masters Games' infamous Stair Race up to the Durie Hill lookout yesterday.
The 355-step race, on a 100m vertical walkway, is considered one of the most barmy events on the games schedule, with about 30 taking part this year, slightly down on the 32 of 2013.
Feilding's Shaz Dagg was first one out the chute, feeling a bit of peer pressure as she only decided late in the afternoon to reaffirm her decision to take part considering she is participating in most of the multisport events.
Staggering back down the steps holding the back of her leg, the winner of Saturday's women's duathlon, 10km runner and upcoming 5km and triathlon competitor, may have finally met her match.
"I think it's just a little bit too much for the old bones," Dagg said, stretching the glutes out at the finish.